The Russian president, has had an awkward exchange with a journalist from a Chinese state media during a recent question and answer session. Yes, Chinese. Yes, state. Even if it’s from your partnerfrom whom he helps him cope with those that isolate Russia more every day, friction also occurs.
When asked about his refusal to stop the Ukraine conflict, Putin claimed that the February 2022 invasion should have been launched even earlierseeming to avoid the issue entirely.
Putin’s statements come 33 months after the start of the conflict and They underline their commitment to continue the offensive. His justification for the invasion refers to Ukraine’s alleged non-compliance with the Minsk Agreement and suggests broader strategic calculations.
During a special Christmas press conference, a Putin classic, a China Media Group reporter asked Putin directly why he would not agree to a ceasefire. The president responded: “It’s worth it.” stop for a week to give the enemy a chance to gain a foothold in these positions, give him a break, get the necessary ammunition. What we need is not a ceasefire, but a lasting peacewith guarantees for Russia and its citizens”.
When asked by the Russian media agency RBC, he asked if would reconsider his decision to start the war If he could go back to February 2022, Putin suggested the invasion should have happened before. “The decision that was made at the beginning of 2022 should have been taken before“Putin said. “Knowing this, it was necessary to prepare in advance for these events, including the SMO,” referring to the “special military operation,” the term Putin uses to refer to the invasion.
Putin justified the timing of the invasion by accusing kyiv of refusing to comply and stating that Ukraine had made “some claims about weapons of mass destruction”.
The 2015 Minsk Agreement aimed to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine and demanded a ceasefire, the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the autonomy of the separatist regions. It was signed by kyiv and Moscow, but was never fully implemented.
Ukraine demands complete withdrawal of Russian forces from its territory, including Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014. kyiv also demands reparations, accountability for Russian war crimes and guarantees of its sovereignty before considering peace negotiations.
The Kremlin insists that Ukraine recognize the loss of its territories, in particular the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea occupied by Russiaand also demands that abandon your aspiration to become a member of NATO.
